TV bosses are reportedly in early talks to secure the future of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! for another five years, a move that could take the enduring reality show to its landmark 30th season.
The show, fronted by iconic presenting duo Ant and Dec since its launch in 2002, remains one of ITV’s biggest winter draws. Every year, a fresh batch of celebrities head into the jungle to endure basic rations, tough sleeping conditions and infamous Bushtucker Trials. The public then votes for their favourites, ultimately choosing who will be crowned king or queen of the jungle.
According to The Sun, ITV is negotiating with Australian authorities to continue filming at the disused plantation in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, which has served as the show’s base since it began more than two decades ago.
“The production team are planning five years in advance, which is a long term approach they haven't adopted before. But this is not a done deal with the local authorities — negotiations have only just begun to secure the site,” a source told the publication.
If successful, the agreement would signal a shift in strategy for the broadcaster, which has previously secured the jungle location through rolling three year deals. The move would offer greater stability for producers and help the show retain its status as a cornerstone of ITV’s annual schedule.
However, any extension would require sign off from the local Tweed Shire Council, which oversees filming permissions in the area.
A spokesperson for the council confirmed that ITV must reapply for the right to film and stressed that the council does not offer open ended permissions to any production.
The Standard has contacted ITV for comment.
The latest regular series crowned McFly’s Danny Jones king of the jungle after he beat Coleen Rooney and Reverend Richard Coles in the 2024 final.
Meanwhile, ITV is also preparing a second I’m a Celebrity: All Stars series, following the success of last year’s pre-recorded South Africa edition.
The spin-off brought together memorable contestants from previous years — including Carol Vorderman, Amir Khan and Jordan Banjo — to compete in extreme bush conditions, this time without public voting. A winner was crowned based on challenges alone.
Rumoured returnees for the upcoming All Stars series include Gillian McKeith, Gemma Collins, Joey Essex and Georgia Toffolo.
